In a powerful move toward environmental stewardship and social upliftment, the Divine Word Social Service Society (DWSSS) of the Hyderabad Province has inaugurated a Jute and Cloth Bags Manufacturing Unit along with a Tailoring Centre for underprivileged women. The launch, blessed by Very Rev. Fr. Santhu Raja SVD, Provincial Superior of INH Province, marks a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to empower communities and combat plastic pollution.
A Laudato Si-Inspired Vision
Rooted in the spirit of Laudato Si, DWSSS’s latest initiative is a direct response to the call for ecological conversion. It aims to “Empower Women, Reduce Plastic Waste, and Promote Sustainable Living.” By replacing plastic with organic jute and reusable cloth bags, the initiative embraces Pope Francis’ vision of protecting creation and restoring harmony between humanity and nature.
Tackling the Plastic Crisis
Plastic waste continues to choke ecosystems worldwide. DWSSS is confronting this crisis head-on by producing sustainable alternatives. These eco-friendly bags are not only biodegradable but also durable and practical, offering individuals, institutions, and communities a viable replacement for harmful plastic products.
Empowering Women, Building Futures
At the heart of this project is women’s empowerment. The new unit provides employment, training, and income opportunities for women from marginalized backgrounds. Beyond economic support, it builds self-reliance and dignity, transforming lives one stitch at a time.
This initiative addresses three critical pillars:
- Environmental Sustainability – Reducing dependence on plastic and promoting eco-conscious habits.
- Social Empowerment – Creating dignified livelihoods for women in need.
- Sustainable Local Economies – Encouraging small-scale, community-driven enterprise.
Join the Movement
DWSSS invites organizations, institutions, and individuals to support this green initiative. Orders are now open for:
- Organic jute bags
- Reusable cloth bags
- Custom-designed bags for events, schools, and businesses
Each purchase supports both the planet and the people behind the product.
A Word of Thanks
We extend heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Matthias Helms SVD, Mission Director, Switzerland, for his generous support in bringing this project to life.
As Laudato Si (210) reminds us, true harmony begins with a shift in awareness—within ourselves, among communities, and with creation. In the words of Pope Francis:
“Let us be protectors of Creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.”
Let’s walk together toward a cleaner, more compassionate future. Let’s cultivate a greener tomorrow.
Fr. Madavaram J. Suresh SVD
Director, DWSSS & JPIC Coordinator
India Hyderabad Province
